CarRecallDB

2003 Ford Focus recalls and problems

1 recall and 977 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Ford Focus.

1
recalls
977
owner complaints
52
complaints mentioning a crash
17
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2003 Ford Focus recalls

Latches/locks/linkages: doors, latch

NHTSA campaign 05V030000 · reported February 1, 2005 · FORD MOTOR COMPANY · 589,932 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Certain passenger vehicles with four or five doors and originally sold in or currently registered in connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia, a build-up of corrosion at the pawl pivot area of the rear door latch can cause a binding condition of the pawl that may affect proper engagement of the pawl into the catch. The occupant may experience difficulty opening or closing a rear door, and eventually the rear door may not latch properly.
The risk
If not latched properly, the door may open while the vehicle is in motion. If an occupant fell out of the vehicle, personal injuries could occur.
The fix
Dealers will have a lower rocker seal added to the door and have the rear door latches evaluated free of charge. A latch that passes the evaluation will be lubricated to prevent future corrosion. A latch that does not pass the evaluation will be replaced. In addition, a sticker will be affixed to the rear doors advising the owners to use the recommended lubricant. The recall began on march 9, 2005. Owners may contact ford at 1-800-392-3673.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

May 4, 2024 · Electrical system

wiring harness fused together

Feb 6, 2023 · Structure

Vehicle has a recall for Rear Door Latches. I have attempted to take the vehicle to 2 different Cloninger Ford in Hickory and Cloninger Ford in Valdese. Both dealerships claim they can not do the recall due to parts. I would like to know what steps do I need to take to get my vehicle repaired for this recall!

Oct 26, 2020 · Unknown or other · 56,300 miles

IGNITION ISSUES. THE KEY WILL NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION. CANNOT START MY VEHICLE OR TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. MY CAR ONLY HAS JUST OVER 56,000 MILES. I AM SEEING THAT THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT AND COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE. I AM ELDERLY AND DISABLED AND IT COULD BE A SERIOUS ISSUE TO MY HEALTH IF I AM STRANDED SOMEWHERE…

Jun 24, 2020 · Structure · 175,000 miles

DRIVERS SIDE REAR DOOR WILL NOT LATCH JUST FLIES OPEN.

Feb 26, 2020 · Structure

2003 FORD FOCUS. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO INADEQUATE STRUCTURAL STEEL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEEL ON THE CONTROL ARMS WERE POORLY MANUFACTURED. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, IT SUDDENLY DEAD STOPPED, TURNED RIGHT, MAKING A CRACKING NOISE. THE CONTROL ARM HAD SNAPPED AND DUG INTO THE TAR, BRAKING THE TIE ROD AND…

Focus model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 113,685248118
2001 71,76117247
2002 19398220
2003 19775217
2004 13873413
2005 1441439
2006 0205233

Across all years, the 2012 Focus has the most complaints (3,770). All Ford Focus years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Ford Focus have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 Ford Focus, the most recent reported on February 1, 2005 (Latches/locks/linkages: doors, latch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Ford Focus?
Owners have filed 977 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (522 complaints), followed by latches/locks/linkages (82).
How many 2003 Ford Focus complaints mention a crash or fire?
52 of 977 complaints report a crash and 17 a fire; 51 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received May 4, 2024.